Arizona State University (West Valley Campus)
Arizona State University (West Valley Campus)

Arizona State University (West Valley Campus)

4701 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306, United States Arizona, Glendale, USA Visit web page

Environmental Science, BA

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Environmental Science, BA ASENVBA : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

Additional information

Program description

The study of human impact on the earth's ecosystems and resources has become increasingly important over the past 20 years. The BA degree program in environmental science is dedicated to preparing students to become graduates who will be able to find solutions to today's critical environmental challenges posed by pollution and climate change.

This degree program is founded on established environmental basics, ensuring that students are well versed in biological study, including molecular, organismal and ecosystem biology. Students gain competency in chemistry, statistics and geographic information systems.

The world-renowned faculty conduct research across the globe, and they engage students in the process of creating new scientific knowledge that, in turn, impacts a rapidly changing world.

Rounding out student preparation, the program includes a focus on the management and communication skills necessary in various environmentally specific careers.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Biological Data Science, MS
  • Communication Studies, MA
  • Environmental and Resource Management (Water Management), MS
  • Environmental and Resource Management, MS
  • Social Data Science, MA
  • Social Justice and Human Rights, MA

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. 

Global opportunities
Global experience 

The natural world is complex and diverse, changing quickly from one biome to the next. Not only is the physical environment varied across the globe, so is the human treatment of it. Students who study abroad gain a deeper understanding of the global environment, how culture affects the environment and how to best communicate environmental research to a diverse audience.

With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs allow students to tailor their educational experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of this program include employment in environmental policy, or management or leadership positions in federal and state agencies, local municipality planning offices, private consulting firms, and nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations. Graduates of the program are also well qualified to pursue graduate studies in relevant areas of the natural sciences.